Southampton Salvation Army launch music project for adults with learning disabilities
The new initiative is hoped to provide opportunities to learn and perform music
Southampton's Salvation Army are launching a music education service for adults with learning difficulties today.
The Music Man Project in Sholing is hoped to provide people in the community the opportunity to learn and perform music, regardless of ability.
The project has launched in various places across the UK with students performing at venues including the Royal Albert Hall.
Anna Robinson, Regional Session Leader for The Music Man Project Southampton and SEN educator, said: "It empowers students by teaching them to sing, play instruments, and perform.
"It's very much about the ability and not the disability, which is something that absolutely should be celebrated across the board.
"It's very positive and very exciting."
Ms Robinson was inspired by The Music Man Project after attending the Royal Albert Hall concert.
She said it's "extremely important" to have a space for those with SEN needs.
She said: "There's a huge lacking of that.
"The way that Music Man uniquely fulfils that with a celebrating them as musicians in their own right is absolutely incredible.
"It's very much also for carers as well, and that social network and real community for everyone involved."
The Music Man Project was founded by David Stanley BEM.
He said: "It is not music therapy.
"It is a full-time music education and performance service.
"What makes us unique is our original repertoire, combined with a fun and totally accessible approach to singing, playing, signing, and dancing to music.”
The launch is today at The Salvation Army hall in Sholing from 11am until 1pm.
After this, regular weekly sessions will take place from Wednesday 5th November from 10am until 11:30am.